Tarnjit Sidhu@TarnjitSidhu Lack of control and unpredictability = high stress Research shows that stress levels rise when predictability and control over a situation are low. Lockdown is the perfect example of this –we have no control over the current situation, and there is great unpredictability around when lockdown will end. On top of this – … Continue reading Tips on how to overcome the lockdown blues
Category: Mental Health
Marie Kondo and Metacognitive Therapy: what life-changing magic do ‘spark joy’ and ‘leave it alone’ have in common?
Have you noticed that people are weirdly enthused about the Kon Mari method of de-cluttering? Maybe you yourself are a convert? I hate tidying. So I thought the Netflix series seemed vaguely absurd. But I was quickly drawn in. I read the book - just out of curiosity too. And I think I’ve started to … Continue reading Marie Kondo and Metacognitive Therapy: what life-changing magic do ‘spark joy’ and ‘leave it alone’ have in common?
Helping others, helps you
By Jason Chu - @jchu0 Do something for a friend, colleague or stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Help a neighbour or community group. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding. Be kind to yourself and others. This is the mantra used by the University of Manchester … Continue reading Helping others, helps you
How to manage stress as a PGR student
By Tarnjit Sidhu @TarnjitSidhu Starting university as a postgraduate student can be a difficult time for many people. After finishing university for the first time around, you probably feel established and have a routine in place. So starting a new degree can be a daunting time. Where is my timetable? Why is no-one checking if … Continue reading How to manage stress as a PGR student
Perfectionism and Me
“What is your biggest flaw?” .. “Oh, well I am just SUCH a perfectionist!” Undeniably one of the most cliché and eye-roll inducing answers to this classic interview question, declaring yourself a perfectionist is often viewed as a humble brag. Most people think perfectionism is just admitting everything you do has to be just right, … Continue reading Perfectionism and Me
A reluctant violin student
Aged 12, I was a reluctant violin student. So great was my frustration with the instrument that I used to frequently picture throwing the violin against the wall and watching as the wood twisted and splintered into an unrecognisable mess. Despite the frequency and vividness of this mental image, I never acted on the thought. … Continue reading A reluctant violin student
“It is what it is”
You may have noticed that since Monday 3rd June, 2019 between the hours of 9pm and 10pm Sunday – Friday, the world seems a strangely quiet place. The answer to this lies in ITV2’s summer scheduling which importantly includes the return of love island. For those of you unfamiliar with the show, the premise is … Continue reading “It is what it is”
Me and My Imposter Syndrome: One Year On
Almost a year has passed since I wrote a piece on my experiences of the imposter syndrome. In light of the recent media attention on the poor mental health, well-being and over-work of higher education staff and students, it feels like an appropriate time to touch base. A quick recap: imposter syndrome is a phenomenon … Continue reading Me and My Imposter Syndrome: One Year On
Elemental Wellbeing
"Everyone deserves a fantastic workplace" We spend almost a third of our lives at work. Look around your workplace. What do you think of the space? Is it something that could be improved? Do we tolerate the mediocre standard, just because it's always been this way? No, absolutely not. It shouldn't have to be this … Continue reading Elemental Wellbeing
The importance of language and insinuation in student/supervisor relationships
The imposter syndrome is a common issue that affects a large number of young people and seems to be particularly prevalent in academic institutions. From my own observations and experiences, this most likely arises from the constant reminders of the pressure that comes from remaining within academia and therefore forcing students to attempt to live … Continue reading The importance of language and insinuation in student/supervisor relationships
